Athletic shoe having a cross-training configuration and a weight-training configuration

ABSTRACT

An athletic shoe is selectively configurable between a weight-training configuration and a cross-training configuration. The athletic shoe includes an upper portion configured to receive a foot and a first sole portion connected to the upper portion. The first sole portion has an inner surface and an outer surface opposite the inner surface. The outer surface is configured to contact a training surface when the athletic shoe is in the cross-training configuration. The athletic shoe also includes a second sole portion removably connected to the first sole portion when the athletic shoe is in the weight-training configuration. The second sole portion includes a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is configured to contact the training surface and the second surface is configured to contact the outer surface when the athletic shoe is in the weight-training configuration.

FIELD

The field of the disclosure relates generally to athletic shoes. Moreparticularly, this disclosure relates to an athletic shoe that isselectively configurable between a cross-training configuration and aweight-training configuration.

BACKGROUND

Cross-training exercises are increasing in popularity among exerciseenthusiasts and casual exercisers. Cross-training exercises involveswitching between different activities within a single workout. Forexample, during a single workout, a person may switch between cardioactivities, such as running and biking, and strength exercises, such asweight training. In addition, some workouts emphasize almost constantexercise intensity and provide little or no rest between activities. Theactivities are designed to utilize and exercise different body parts. Assuch, the activities commonly require different equipment and attire foroptimal results. However, a person engaging in cross-training exercisesoften does not switch shoes between activities because switching shoesmay require a prolonged break between the activities. As a result, theperson's performance may be reduced and the person may have an increasedrisk of injury.

An increase in participation in cross-training competitions hascoincided with the increased popularity of cross-training exercises.Some participants may opt to switch attire between activities toincrease their performance during the competitions. For example,participants may wear a cross-training shoe during cardio activitiessuch as running and biking and a weight-training shoe during activitiesthat involve weight training. However, the time spent switching shoesmay decrease the score of the participants. Moreover, some participantswho are rushing to switch shoes may put the shoes on improperly, whichmay hurt their performance and increase their risk of injury.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In one aspect, an athletic shoe is selectively configurable between aweight-training configuration and a cross-training configuration. Theathletic shoe includes an upper portion configured to receive a foot anda first sole portion connected to the upper portion. The first soleportion has an inner surface and an outer surface opposite the innersurface. The outer surface is configured to contact a training surfacewhen the athletic shoe is in the cross-training configuration. Theathletic shoe also includes a second sole portion removably connected tothe first sole portion when the athletic shoe is in the weight-trainingconfiguration. The second sole portion includes a first surface and asecond surface. The first surface is configured to contact the trainingsurface and the second surface is configured to contact the outersurface when the athletic shoe is in the weight-training configuration

In another aspect, a removable sole for an athletic shoe is provided.The athletic shoe is selectively configurable between a cross-trainingconfiguration and a weight-training configuration. The removable sole isconnected to a sole portion of the athletic shoe when the athletic shoeis in the weight-training configuration. The removable sole includes aheel portion including a first surface and a second surface opposite thefirst surface. The first surface is configured to contact a trainingsurface and the second surface is configured to contact an outer surfaceof the sole portion of the athletic shoe. The removable sole alsoincludes an engagement member for removably connecting the removablesole and the sole portion when the athletic shoe is in theweight-training configuration.

In yet another aspect, a method of assembling an athletic shoe isprovided. The athletic shoe is selectively configurable between aweight-training configuration and a cross-training configuration. Themethod includes connecting a first sole portion to an upper portionconfigured to receive a foot. The first sole portion has an innersurface and an outer surface opposite the inner surface. The outersurface is configured to contact a training surface when the athleticshoe is in the cross-training configuration. The method also includesremovably connecting a second sole portion to the first sole portion todefine the weight-training configuration of the athletic shoe. Thesecond sole portion includes a first surface and a second surface. Thefirst surface is configured to contact the training surface and thesecond surface is configured to contact the outer surface when theathletic shoe is in the weight-training configuration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of one embodiment of an athletic shoe that isconfigurable between a cross-training configuration and aweight-training configuration.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the athletic shoe shown in FIG. 1 with a secondsole portion disconnected from a first sole portion.

FIG. 3 is an assembly view of the athletic shoe showing a bottom of thefirst sole portion and a top of the second sole portion.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure is directed generally to an athletic shoe that isconfigurable between a cross-training configuration and aweight-training configuration. In the cross-training configuration, theathletic shoe has a first sole portion that contacts a training surfaceto provide optimal performance for the wearer during activities such asrunning, jumping, biking, and climbing. In the weight-trainingconfiguration, the athletic shoe has a second sole portion thatremovably connects to the first sole portion. The second sole portion issubstantially wedge-shaped and provides optimal performance for thewearer during weight training. The athletic shoe is quickly and easilyconfigurable between the two configurations to allow the wearer toswitch between activities with minimal down time. For example, thewearer may switch the athletic shoe between the configurations withoutremoving the athletic shoe from the wearer's foot. In addition, in someembodiments, the athletic shoe includes at least one engagement memberand a strap to secure the second sole portion in position quickly andeasily.

As used herein, the term “training surface” refers to any surface thatsupports a person. For example, suitable training surfaces may include,without limitation, ground, running tracks, floors, mats, and platforms.As used herein, the term “cross training” refers to exercises involvingswitching between different activities within a single workout. As usedherein, the term “weight training” refers to exercises where a personhandles weights.

Referring now to the drawings and in particular to FIG. 1, oneembodiment of an athletic shoe is designated in its entirety by thereference number 100. The athletic shoe 100 is selectively configurablebetween a cross-training configuration, broadly a first configuration,and a weight-training configuration, broadly a second configuration. Asshown in FIG. 1, the athletic shoe 100 includes an upper portion 102, afirst sole portion 104, and a second sole portion 106. The first soleportion 104 is configured to contact a training surface when theathletic shoe 100 is in the cross-training configuration. The secondsole portion 106 removably connects to the first sole portion 104 and isconfigured to contact the training surface when the athletic shoe 100 isin the weight-training configuration. In alternative embodiments, theathletic shoe 100 may have any suitable configuration. For example, insome embodiments, the athletic shoe 100 may have a third sole portionthat facilitates the wearer participating in specific activities such asclimbing and biking.

The upper portion 102 generally includes a toe portion 108, a midfootportion 110, a heel portion 112, and a tongue 114. The upper portion 102is configured to receive a foot of a wearer. The athletic shoe 100 maybe different sizes to receive different sized feet within the upperportion 102. Also, the athletic shoe 100 may include fastenersincluding, without limitation, laces, hook and loop fasteners, straps,and buckles. In addition, the upper portion 102 may include elastic tofacilitate the athletic shoe 100 sliding on and off of the wearer'sfoot. In alternative embodiments, the athletic shoe 100 may include anyupper portion 102 that enables the athletic shoe to function asdescribed herein.

In reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the first sole portion 104 is connectedto the upper portion 102. The first sole portion 104 has an innersurface 116 and an outer surface 118 opposite the inner surface. Theinner surface 116 is on an inside of the athletic shoe 100 adjacent awearer's foot and is configured to contact the foot, a sock covering thefoot, and/or an insole. The outer surface 118 is configured to contactthe training surface when the athletic shoe 100 is in the cross-trainingconfiguration. Accordingly, the outer surface 118 is contoured tofacilitate the wearer performing activities such as running and jumping.In addition, the outer surface 118 extends along the entire foot andprovides support to the foot. Also, the outer surface 118 includes grips120 to provide traction between the athletic shoe 100 and the trainingsurface. In alternative embodiments, the athletic shoe 100 may includeany sole portion that enables the athletic shoe 100 to function asdescribed herein.

The second sole portion 106 removably connects to the first sole portion104 when the athletic shoe 100 is in the weight-training configuration.The second sole portion 106 includes a first surface 122 and a secondsurface 124. The first surface 122 is configured to contact the trainingsurface and the second surface 124 is configured to contact the outersurface 118 of the first sole portion 104 when the athletic shoe 100 isin the weight-training configuration. In particular, the second surface124 is configured to contact the outer surface throughout the first soleportion 104 such that the second sole portion 106 extends along theentire foot.

As shown in FIG. 2, the second sole portion 106 includes a heel portion126 and toe portion 127. A thickness 128 of the second sole portion 106is defined between the first surface 122 and the second surface 124. Thethickness 128 varies from a minimum thickness at toe portion 127 to amaximum thickness at heel portion 126. Accordingly, the second soleportion 106 has a wedge shape. In particular, the heel portion 126elevates a heel of the wearer above a toe of the wearer and providessupport to the wearer during weight training.

In this embodiment, the second sole portion 106 has a maximum thicknessin a range of about 20 millimeters (mm) to about 25 mm. Also, the secondsole portion 106 has a minimum thickness in a range of about 10millimeters (mm) to about 15 mm. In alternative embodiments, the secondsole portion 106 has any thickness that enables the athletic shoe 100 tofunction as described herein.

In reference to FIG. 3, the athletic shoe 100 includes at least oneengagement member to removably connect the first sole portion 104 to thesecond sole portion 106. In particular, the second sole portion 106includes projections 130 that fit within slots, more broadly openings,132 in the first sole portion 104. Projections 130 extend from thesecond surface 124 and are configured to extend into the slots 132.Slots 132 are defined in the outer surface 118 and are configured toreceive the projections 130. In the exemplary embodiment, the athleticshoe 100 includes two projections 130 and two slots 132. Each projection130 is an elongate rectangular cuboid. Each slot 132 is approximatelythe same size as or slightly larger than the projection 130 to provide atight fit between the projection and the slot. The projections 130 andthe slots 132 secure the second sole portion 106 in position relative tothe first sole portion 104. In addition, the projections 130 and theslots 132 allow the second sole portion 106 to quickly and easilyconnect to the first sole portion 104. In alternative embodiments, theathletic shoe 100 may include any engagement member that enables theathletic shoe 100 to function as described herein. For example, in someembodiments, at least one of the first sole portion 104 and the secondsole portion 106 may include, without limitation, any of the following:a clip, hook and loop fasteners, and a catch. For example, in someembodiments, an engagement member such as a biased catch may at leastpartially connect the first sole portion 104 and the second sole portion106. The biased catch may be configured to automatically engage when thesecond sole portion 106 is moved into position relative to the firstsole portion 104. The biased catch may be disengaged when a user pressesan actuator.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a strap 134 is connected to the second soleportion 106 to secure the second sole portion in position when theathletic shoe is in the weight-training configuration. The strap 134extends from one side of the second sole portion 106 to the other sideof the second sole portion to form a loop that is configured to extendover the upper portion 102. In particular, the strap 134 extends overthe midfoot portion 110 of the upper portion 102. The strap 134 isadjustable to facilitate the strap 134 fitting over the upper portion102. The strap 134 includes a buckle, more broadly a connector, 136. Inalternative embodiments, the athletic shoe 100 may include any strapthat enables the athletic shoe to function as described herein. Forexample, in some embodiments, the strap 134 is configured to fit overdifferent upper portions 102 to allow the second sole portion 106 tocouple to athletic shoes 100 of different sizes.

In this embodiment, the second sole portion 106 further includes a toecover 138 configured to receive the toe portion 108 of the upper portion102. The toe cover 138 facilitates the second sole portion 106connecting to the first sole portion 104. During operation, the wearerslides the athletic shoe 100 into the toe cover to position the secondsole portion 106 relative to the first sole portion 104. In alternativeembodiments, the athletic shoe 100 may include any portion that enablesthe athletic shoe to function as described herein.

During use, a wearer positions a foot into the upper portion 102 suchthat a sole of the foot is adjacent and extends along the first soleportion 104. The wearer may tighten laces of the athletic shoe 100 toadjust the fit of the athletic shoe. The wearer then may perform anactivity such as running and jumping while the athletic shoe is in thecross-training configuration. Between different activities, the wearermay switch the athletic shoe 100 between the cross-trainingconfiguration and the weight-training configuration in a minimal amountof time because the second sole portion 106 is configured to easily andquickly connect to the first portion 104 while the athletic shoe remainson the foot of the wearer. The wearer may connect the second soleportion 106 to the first sole portion 104 by sliding the toe portion 108into the toe cover 138, positioning the projections 130 into the slots132, and positioning the strap 134 over the upper portion 102. When theathletic shoe 100 is in the weight-training configuration, the wearermay perform activities such as weight training. In alternativeembodiments, the wearer may switch the athletic shoe betweenconfigurations in any suitable manner. For example, in some embodiments,the wearer may switch the athletic shoe 100 between configurations whilethe wearer's foot is not positioned within the athletic shoe. Inaddition, the wearer may put the athletic shoe 100 on while the athleticshoe is in either the weight-training configuration or thecross-training configuration.

The athletic shoes described herein switch between a cross-trainingconfiguration and a weight-training configuration. In the cross-trainingconfiguration, the athletic shoe has a first sole portion that contactsthe training surface to provide optimal performance for the wearerduring activities such as running, jumping, biking, and climbing. In theweight-training configuration, the athletic shoe has a second soleportion that removably connects to the first sole portion. The secondsole portion is substantially wedge-shaped and provides optimalperformance for the wearer during weight training. The athletic shoe isquickly and easily configurable between the two configurations to allowthe wearer to switch between activities with minimal down time. Forexample, the wearer may switch the athletic shoe between theconfigurations without removing the athletic shoe from the wearer'sfoot. In addition, in some embodiments, the athletic shoe includes atleast one engagement member and a strap to secure the second soleportion in position quickly and easily.

When introducing elements of the present invention or the preferredembodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” areintended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms“comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive andmean that there may be additional elements other than the listedelements.

As various changes could be made in the above constructions withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention, it is intended that allmatter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanyingdrawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limitingsense. Although specific features of various embodiments of theinvention may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is forconvenience only. In accordance with the principles of the invention,any feature of a drawing may be referenced and/or claimed in combinationwith any feature of any other drawing.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in theart to practice the invention, including making and using any devices orsystems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope ofthe invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examplesthat occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intendedto be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elementsthat do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if theyinclude equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differencesfrom the literal languages of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An athletic shoe selectively configurable betweena weight-training configuration and a cross-training configuration, saidathletic shoe comprising: an upper portion configured to receive a foot;a first sole portion connected to the upper portion, the first soleportion having an inner surface and an outer surface opposite the innersurface, wherein the outer surface is configured to contact a trainingsurface when the athletic shoe is in the cross-training configuration; asecond sole portion removably connected to the first sole portion whenthe athletic shoe is in the weight-training configuration, the secondsole portion including a first surface, a second surface, and sidesextending between the first surface and the second surface, wherein thefirst surface is configured to contact the training surface and thesecond surface is configured to contact the outer surface when theathletic shoe is in the weight-training configuration, wherein the firstsole portion is configured to extend along the entire foot, and whereinthe second surface is configured to contact the outer surface throughoutthe first sole portion such that the second sole portion is configuredto extend along the entire foot and the entire second sole portion ispositioned beneath the first sole portion when the second sole portionis connected to the first sole portion, wherein the second sole portionincludes a toe portion and an open heel portion, the second sole portionhaving a minimum thickness at the toe portion and a maximum thickness atthe open heel portion such that the second sole portion has a wedgeshape, wherein the second sole portion does not include a side extendingabove the second surface in the open heel portion; engagement memberslocated in the open heel portion and configured to removably connect thesecond sole portion and the first sole portion, wherein the engagementmembers comprise a projection and an opening configured to receive theprojection, wherein the projection extends from the second surface, andwherein the opening is defined by the outer surface; and a strapconnected to the second sole portion to secure the second sole portionin position when the athletic shoe is in the weight-trainingconfiguration, wherein the strap is configured to extend over a portionof the upper portion.
 2. The athletic shoe of claim 1 further comprisinga toe cover configured to receive a toe portion of the upper portion. 3.The athletic shoe of claim 2, wherein the strap is positioned to extendover a midfoot portion of the upper portion.
 4. The athletic shoe ofclaim 1, wherein the engagement members comprise a plurality of openingsand a plurality of projections.
 5. The athletic shoe of claim 4, whereineach opening is a slot.
 6. The athletic shoe of claim 5, wherein eachprojection is an elongate rectangular cuboid.
 7. The athletic shoe ofclaim 1, wherein the toe portion includes a toe cover configured toreceive a toe portion of the upper portion, and wherein the open heelportion is open to facilitate a user sliding the upper portion into thetoe portion, wherein the opening is a slot that receives the projectionwhen the upper portion slides into the toe portion.
 8. The athletic shoeof claim 1, wherein the open h portion has a maximum thickness in arange of about 20 millimeters (mm) to about 25 mm.
 9. The athletic shoeof claim 8, wherein the toe portion has a minimum thickness in a rangeof about 10 mm to about 15 mm.
 10. A removable sole for an athleticshoe, the athletic shoe including an upper portion configured to receivea foot, the athletic shoe being selectively configurable between across-training configuration and a weight-training configuration, theremovable sole being connected to a sole portion of the athletic shoewhen the athletic shoe is in the weight-training configuration, saidremovable sole comprising: a toe portion; an open heel portion includinga first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and sidesextending between the first surface and the second surface, wherein thefirst surface is configured to contact a training surface and the secondsurface is configured to contact an outer surface of the sole portion ofthe athletic shoe, wherein the removable sole is configured to contactthe sole portion of the athletic shoe throughout the sole portion suchthat the removable sole is configured to extend along the entire footand the entire open heel portion is positioned beneath the sole portionwhen the removable sole is connected to the sole portion, wherein theremovable sole has a minimum thickness at the toe portion and a maximumthickness at the open heel portion such that the removable sole has awedge shape, wherein the removable sole does not include a sideextending above the second surface in the open heel portion; anengagement member located in the open heel portion for removablyconnecting the removable sole and the sole portion when the athleticshoe is in the weight-training configuration, wherein the engagementmember comprises a projection extending from the second surface andconfigured to extend into an opening in the outer surface; a strap tosecure the removable sole in position when the athletic shoe is in theweight-training configuration, wherein the strap is configured to extendover the upper portion of the athletic shoe; and a buckle to releasablysecure the strap over the upper portion of the athletic shoe, the buckleincluding a clip that is insertable into a receiver.
 11. The removablesole of claim 10 further comprising a toe cover configured to receive asecond toe portion of the upper portion of the athletic shoe.
 12. Theremovable sole of claim 10, wherein the open heel portion has a varyingthickness defined between the first surface and the second surface. 13.The removable sole of claim 12, wherein the open heel portion has amaximum thickness in a range of about 20 millimeters (mm) to about 25mm.
 14. The removable sole of claim 13, wherein the toe portion has aminimum thickness in a range of about 10 mm to about 15 mm.
 15. A methodof assembling an athletic shoe, the athletic shoe being selectivelyconfigurable between a weight-training configuration and across-training configuration, said method comprising: connecting a firstsole portion to an upper portion configured to receive a foot, the firstsole portion having an inner surface and an outer surface opposite theinner surface, wherein the outer surface is configured to contact atraining surface when the athletic shoe is in the cross-trainingconfiguration; sliding the first sole portion relative to a second soleportion into a toe portion of the second sole portion, the second soleportion including a first surface, a second surface, and sides extendingbetween the first surface and the second surface; positioning the secondsole portion relative to the first sole portion such that the secondsurface of the second sole portion contacts the outer surface throughoutthe first sole portion, wherein the second sole portion is configured toextend along an entire foot and the entire second sole portion ispositioned beneath the first sole portion when the second sole portionis connected to the first sole portion, wherein the second sole portionhas a minimum thickness at the toe portion and a maximum thickness at anopen heel portion such that the second sole portion has a wedge shape,wherein the second sole portion does not include a side extending abovethe second surface in the open heel portion; positioning a projectioninto an opening configured to receive the projection; removablyconnecting the second sole portion to the first sole portion to definethe weight-training configuration of the athletic shoe wherein the firstsurface is configured to contact the training surface and the secondsurface is configured to contact the outer surface when the athleticshoe is in the weight-training configuration, wherein the athletic shoeincludes engagement members configured to removably connect the secondsole portion and the first sole portion, wherein the engagement memberscomprise the projection and the opening, wherein the projection extendsfrom the second surface, and wherein the opening is defined by the outersurface; and securing the second sole portion to the athletic shoe usinga strap connected to the second sole portion when the athletic shoe isin the weight-training configuration, wherein the strap is configured toextend over a portion of the upper portion.